RENOWN II - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Renown II sits deep in Scapa Flow, a small fishing vessel that met its end in 1979. We love this wreck for its character, a stark contrast to the colossal battleships nearby. Dropping down, you’ll find her intact, lying on her port side at 55 metres. The visibility here can be superb, especially on a calm day, allowing you to really appreciate the scale of this little boat, still holding onto its fishing past. Exploring the wheelhouse and deck is a tight squeeze, but worth it. We’ve found wolfish lurking in crevices, and the whole structure is carpeted in anemones and dead man's fingers. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the smaller, more personal wrecks, a chance to connect with a different kind of maritime history than the German fleet. Our favourite part? Peering into the holds, imagining the last catch. It's an honest wreck, no frills, just a piece of Orkney's working past reclaimed by the flow.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.154865, -3.266650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: East Caithness Cliffs

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to RENOWN II

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for RENOWN II

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories